3d model printing

[chrisjacks21]

Hi guys - Has anyone had much experience with 3d model printing? We have been asked to print one of our architectural models built in 3ds max - do you need to adhere to certain modelling processes to print a decent model, (no intersecting geometry etc) or can you print from any model so to speak?

[ior=0]

It needs to be a solid manifold surface... which means no intersecting objects or open surfaces. Think boolean union shared vertices and shell modifier. You can use the STL modifier in max to check the object. Then export to STL.
It is also worth thinking about how/what you are printing it with; Power+glue, Laser sinter, stereo-lithographic, plastic extrusion. Each have different qualities that need to be considered. You should also consider if the model can be broken up into separate parts that would be easier to print individually and then assembled after, like an air-fix kit.

[chrisjacks21]

It needs to be a solid manifold surface... which means no intersecting objects or open surfaces. Think boolean union shared vertices and shell modifier. You can use the STL modifier in max to check the object. Then export to STL.
It is also worth thinking about how/what you are printing it with; Power+glue, Laser sinter, stereo-lithographic, plastic extrusion. Each have different qualities that need to be considered. You should also consider if the model can be broken up into separate parts that would be easier to print individually and then assembled after, like an air-fix kit.

Thanks - I thought that would possibly be the case.

[glorybound]

We had one printed several years ago. It turned out nice, but we didn't get it sealed, so it broke easily. The technology has changed a lot since them and I heard it's a lot easier now.

[ior=0]

Chris - I have a Makerbot Replicator sitting right next to me - that I am currently experimenting with, not sure it is production ready yet as it is more of a hobby machine, but I'd be happy to test some stuff out for you.

[Bruce Hart]

We have done a few printed models in the past. The main problem is you often need to spend a lot of time re-modelling items overscaled to make it printable. As mentioned above, things need to be solid, and depending on your printing method, all items need to have a minimum thickness. For example - depending on scale balustrades might need to be drawn 300mm thick so they show up on the model. We also have a makerbot machine in our office, but it is gathering dust mostly. It is a bit too course for Architectural work, and you need to spend a bit of time getting rid of support structures that it puts in

[flino2004]

http://www.stratasys.com/Products/3D-Printers.aspx

these 3d printers are one of the best brands for that, and they have two desk versions.

[flat]

For the moment, this 3D printer is interesting.
But their business may be smashed by the patent problem.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...nal-3d-printer

[chrisjacks21]

Chris - I have a Makerbot Replicator sitting right next to me - that I am currently experimenting with, not sure it is production ready yet as it is more of a hobby machine, but I'd be happy to test some stuff out for you.

Thanks Simon, very kind. We have a contact at our local college who is willing to test out some models for us, so will let you know how we get on (and what gear they have). After a bit more research and reading the comments on here, we are going to 'reskin' the model and simplify/oversize any significant details.

cheers guys.

[ior=0]

Hi Chris - no worries - like Bruce mentioned the Makerbot has issues and isn't a professional machine but is good to play with and to understand the technology. Hope you can put up some images of the model when it is done. Would be a nice comparison CG 2 RP.

[Olli96]

Take a look at www.shapeways.com. We currently are printing our x-mas presents for our clients there and till now we are pretty satisfied. Depending on the material you want to use you actually can use intersecting geometry.